Learners and parents
Whether you’re a student or supporting someone who is, we have resources and guidance to support your learning at school or college.
Creating a future for every learner
1 in 5 adults in the UK workforce has a BTEC qualification, so they are qualifications that all employers recognise.
73% of students say they want to learn about topics that are more relevant to them and their lives.
86% of students say they want to learn skills that help them get a job.
What is a BTEC
What is a Higher National
What is an apprenticeship
On 20 October, the government published its Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, setting out significant reforms to vocational education in England. We know you'll have questions about what this means for you and your child, and we want to provide you with clear information and reassurance.
Below are our FAQs in response to the publication of the white paper. We have made them relevant to a learner, parent or carer.
V Levels are new qualifications that the government wants to bring in from 2027.
They’ll be at Level 3, which is the same level as A levels and T Levels. V Levels will let students mix academic and practical learning and will link closely to real-world jobs. These planned were announced in the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper.
The government has shared new plans for education in England after age 16. These plans talk about changes to vocational qualifications and include a new qualification called a V Level.
Not for now. You can still study, complete, and achieve your BTEC with confidence.
BTEC Nationalss are staying in place until V Levels are full rolled out, which the government has said will be in 2030. BTECs are still valued by universities, colleges, and employers.
Yes! Your BTEC will still be recognised by universities and employers. It will be worth exactly the same as it is now.
Yes! You can carry on applying and enrolling as normal. BTEC Nationals continue to offer great results for students and open doors to further study, apprenticeships, and jobs.
The government says V Levels will start from 2027, after they’ve finished testing ideas and hearing from schools, colleges, and employers.
We don’t know yet. The government has said they could include subjects like engineering, agriculture, digital, and creative industries, but more details will come later.
They want to make the qualifications system simpler and help more young people get the skills they need for work or university.
We are ready to work with the government on the plans for V Levels and will keep offering BTECs until the new qualifications are ready.
Continue your BTEC journey
Already on a BTEC path? You don’t have to start over.
Higher Nationals are a natural next step, building on what you’ve already achieved and helping you move forward with purpose.
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Civil Engineering
"Being the only one out of 150 students in year 11 to undertake a BTEC qualification as part of an apprenticeship, was the best decision I could ever make."
Digital marketing apprenticeship
"My apprenticeship experience has been life changing! I have met so many new people, many of whom are highly experienced in their industries and learned so much."
BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Sport
"It was not just the knowledge that I gained studying BTECs at a variety of levels, but also the employability skills that have really helped me in the workplace."
design & development
“The T Level programme provided a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience that has been essential in shaping my career in AI and digital solutions.”